Department of Music Faculty and Staff

John Cipolla, University Distinguished Professor of Music (clarinet and saxophone) at Western Kentucky University, is an internationally renowned clarinetist & saxophonist and pedagogue. He is regularly invited to teach and perform at conservatories, festivals, and universities in the US and abroad. He has served on the jury for 10 international competitions throughout the USA, Europe and South America. John's recent appearances include festivals in Portugal, Italy, and Poland. He has recorded on Sony, ECM New Series, Centaur, Nonesuch, GDE Edizioni Musicali, Dance Vision Records, and NBC television. While living in New York City, he performed and/or recorded as a professional woodwind player with an eclectic array of artists and ensembles including The New York City Opera, St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra, Meredith Monk, Aretha Franklin, Liberace, Johnny Mathis, Dizzy Gillespie, Mario Bauza’s Latin Jazz Ensemble, numerous Broadway shows, as well as being a member of the Radio City Music Hall orchestra.

John served as President of the International Clarinet Association, working to lead the organization to a higher level of international collaboration. He has earned numerous teaching awards and commendations including the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Distinguished Alumni award, Western Kentucky University Potter College Teaching award, the Kentucky Music Educators “Teacher of the Year” four times, along with being recognized by numerous other organizations for his career accomplishments.

John was a scholarship saxophone student of Joe Allard at The Juilliard School in New York City. He holds the Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance from The Eastman School of Music, studying with Ramon RIcker and William Osseck, the Master of Music degree in clarinet performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, studying with Dr. George Jones and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in clarinet performance from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, studying with Dr. Kelly Burke. John plays Selmer Paris saxophones, Selmer Paris and Patricola clarinets, Gonzalez FOF reeds, and Zac ligatures.